Discussion Questions: If You Won’t You Don’t – Week Three
To further the conversation started by the weekend message, use these discussion questions in a group study or for personal reflection.
Our message this week – You Won’t If You Don’t – The Migration Of Hope
1. We have talked about how a hard heart affects a harvest of seeds that are planted or should be planted. In our verses from 2 Corinthians we see that the condition of our heart is observed by God and we see how He feels towards the giver. These verses give direction on how we should approach giving.
- With what attitude should we give?
- Have you ever given something grudgingly or under compulsion? Talk about how it was received, about how the result or the blessing for you in the process?
- Where and when did you first learn to give or about generosity with a proper heart? Did someone teach this to you or model it for you?
2. Pastor shared that in our society that often times money dictates our heart condition and that although we are in fact truly rich we do not perceive that.
- What leads us to view wealth in the manner we do?
- If our perception is not accurate, or more importantly does not align with what we are told in scripture, how do we change that attitude or perception? What practical things should we do or should we focus on? Are there things we should purposely avoid or not focus on?
3. Pastor shared that a common misconception is that all we have is ours and that the things we have are for our consumption.
- Why is that a misconception?
4. In Mark 12:41-44 we see a lesson on sacrifice.
- Define what sacrifice means to you.
- Share about an experience or a time when you sacrificed or witnessed another who sacrificed for you.
- What does sacrifice look like for us in relation to our faith and our walk?
5. Pastor shared that we should predetermine our expenses as he talked about money and building margin in our personal budgets. The theory here ties in with what we have discussed the last few weeks – a theory of planting seeds intentionally so that we are pleased with the harvest we receive as a result. He shared that we should not rely on emotions to drive us.
- When we think about planting the right seeds, how and when do you think we might be susceptible to making poor decisions based on our emotions?
- What things can we do to guard against our emotions driving us?
6. FP provided a budget card to help guide people with finances.
- How is your family doing with managing your finances?
- Do you need to give prayerful thought whether or not to use that card as a guide to start improving your financial management for your family? If so, how will you plan to take the first step?
Scripture verses:
Faith Promises’ scripture verse for 2014:
